It was one-way traffic when Arataki Bayfair Tavern took on newcomers Cavaliers and dealt out a 55-35 thumping in the Harbourside premier netball competition. For 16-year-old Mount Maunganui College student Bianca McLeod-Ohia, the game was a chance to mix it with the big guns. The tall teenager is a Bay of Plentyage group representative but was equal to the task in the senior division when she took to the court for the second spell in Thursday night's game. "I was a bit nervous to start with but after a few goals it was good." Slotting in at goalshoot, McLeod-Ohia combined well with experienced goal attack Lee Bartlett. "Playing at this level make you think a lot more about position on court and passes," she said. From the outset Arataki proved too classy in all facets of the game. The win puts them at the top of table but player-coach Wai Emery said her side still had plenty to work on. "Again it was just consistency. We need to make sure we are strong through all four quarters. We tend to go up and down." After the first quarter it looked like Cavaliers could be in with a chance, trailing 9-11. But as Arataki warmed and gained momentum, an 11-goal burst took them to a 30-15 goal lead. Cavaliers coach Leisa Hart was disappointed at the final score after expecting her side to put up more of a contest. "I expected it to be much closer but Arataki played well." The loss has made the team focus more on their goal of making the top four. "We know what we have to work on now," Hart said. Cavalier's goal defence Tasha Davies stymied many of the Arataki shots and claimed a number of rebound balls during the game while the sides goal shot Kylie Daniels was forced to pot goals from wide out. Arataki increased their lead to 43-24 in the third quarter before leaving the final score at 55-35. Premier 1: Arataki Bayfair Tavern 55 Cavaliers 35, Logotech 57 Tauranga Cornerstone 52, Maheatataka 53 Professionals Mt Sports One 41. Premier 2: Rangiuru Te Whanau 56 Greerton Marist Accolade Angels 48, Nga Papaka 38 Legendz 35, Judea Pumas 34 Rangataua Papakas 34. Premier 3: Arataki 70 Rangiuru Angels 38, Mt SportsTwo 39 Talisman 36, Mt Sports Three 52 Drifters 37.
